| Abstrakt: |
In response to escalating water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and urbanization, this study introduces a sustainable solution for groundwater recharge in Pakistan's urban landscape. The implemented low-cost artificial recharge system, designed and established in June 2022, involves a 1.83 × 3.05 × 3.05 m (6 × 10 × 10 ft) pit filled with stones, coarse and fine crush, and sand layers, receiving rooftop runoff from a 39.63 × 10.99 m (130 × 36 ft) rooftop area of an office building. A borehole with perforated casing pipe of 15.24 cm (6 in) diameter and 15.24 m (50 ft) deep was installed in the pit for enhancing water recharge and filtration to the aquifer. Analyzing data from June 2022 to December 2023 reveals a positive correlation between rainfall and runoff, leading to a notable rise in the water table along with fulfilling the domestic water needs of more than 40 persons. The system demonstrates adaptability to urban settings, empowering communities themselves to manage water resources effectively. Its success highlights its potential for national scalability, offering a sustainable approach to groundwater replenishment amid growing water scarcity challenges. This groundwater recharge system may contribute to resilient water management in urban and agricultural landscapes, crucial for sustainable development and addressing emerging climate-change-induced water crises at the developing world, in general, and at the country level, in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
